Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Kingston
Man with Van Kingston is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise our duty to conduct all operations in a manner that prevents injury, ill health, and damage to property. We actively promote a culture where health and safety is integral to planning and delivering every move, whether it is a small flat relocation or a larger house or office move.
All managers, drivers, porters, and support staff are responsible for taking reasonable care of themselves and others, cooperating with safety arrangements, and following agreed procedures at all times.
Objectives of this Policy
The objectives of this policy are to:
Identify, assess, and control the risks associated with removal and transport activities.
Provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment, and working systems.
Ensure staff are competent to carry out their duties through training and supervision.
Prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health.
Continually improve our health and safety performance and working practices.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Kingston is responsible for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy and for providing the resources necessary to meet our commitments. This includes:
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for typical moving tasks and that appropriate control measures are in place.
Providing clear instructions and information on safe working methods.
Ensuring appropriate insurance cover is maintained for our activities.
Monitoring compliance with safety procedures and taking corrective action where necessary.
Regularly reviewing performance and updating procedures when operations, regulations, or best practice standards change.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and regular contractors working with Man with Van Kingston must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety instructions, safe systems of work, and training provided.
Use vehicles, tools, and lifting equipment properly and report any defects immediately.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions without delay.
Cooperate fully with accident investigations and safety improvement measures.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for core removal activities, including lifting and carrying of items, loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads, and working in and around customer properties. These assessments identify significant hazards and the steps required to minimise risk.
Safe systems of work may include planned lifting methods, use of trolleys and straps, team lifting for heavy items, safe parking and traffic control, and procedures for handling awkward or fragile goods. These systems are communicated to staff during induction and on-the-job coaching.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a central aspect of removal work. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries, we:
Provide training in safe lifting techniques and body posture.
Encourage assessment of each load before lifting, including weight, size, and route.
Use lifting aids such as trolleys, dollies, sliders, straps, and blankets where possible.
Require team lifting for large or heavy items such as furniture and appliances.
Plan access routes to avoid obstacles, trip hazards, and unnecessary carrying distances.
Vehicle Safety and Load Security
All vehicles used by Man with Van Kingston must be roadworthy, properly maintained, and suitable for the loads carried. We:
Carry out pre-use checks and schedule regular maintenance and servicing.
Ensure that loads are distributed evenly, do not exceed permitted weight limits, and are secured using straps and other restraints.
Require drivers to follow road traffic regulations and drive in a safe, considerate manner.
Plan journeys to allow sufficient time so that drivers are not pressured into unsafe speeds or behaviours.
Working at Customer Premises
Our teams often work in and around customer homes, offices, and shared spaces. To protect customers, the public, and property, we:
Assess access routes and stairs on arrival and agree safe working arrangements with the customer.
Take care to protect floors, walls, doors, and fixtures using covers and pads where appropriate.
Manage trip hazards by keeping walkways clear of boxes and equipment as far as reasonably practicable.
Use caution when moving items in confined spaces or near glass, electrical fittings, and other vulnerable areas.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where hazards cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided and used. This may include protective footwear, gloves, and high-visibility garments when working near traffic or loading areas. Staff are responsible for using and looking after their PPE and reporting any loss or damage.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All staff receive an induction that includes information on this Health and Safety Policy, emergency procedures, manual handling techniques, and safe loading practices. Additional task-specific training is given where required, and new staff are supervised until they demonstrate competence.
Instructions and updates are communicated through briefings, written guidance, and day-to-day supervision. Management remains available to answer safety-related questions and to discuss improvements.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and significant incidents must be reported as soon as possible. We keep appropriate records, investigate what happened, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with staff and, where relevant, lead to changes in procedures or additional training.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage employees to raise health and safety concerns and to suggest improvements. Consultation with staff helps us refine methods, choose suitable equipment, and identify emerging risks in our day-to-day removal work.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations or relevant legislation. The latest version is communicated to all staff and is available for customers to view on request.
By working together and following the principles in this policy, Man with Van Kingston aims to deliver professional removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.
